We're partnering up with Lifesaving Victoria to offer Grey Medallion, an 8 week water safety course for over 55's.

Grey Medallion aims to tackle the increase in drowning deaths of people aged over 60 and empower them to enjoy aquatic activities safely and confidently.

The program provides adults with personal survival techniques, improved swimming skills, knowledge to deal with emergency situations and a thorough understanding of water safety. The program is inclusive of all abilities, including non-swimmers.

Why enrol?

Because being safe around the water is an essential life skill, and it’s never too late to learn!

• In Victoria, adults aged over 60 years have the highest drowning rates, with 58 drowning deaths from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. This was a 9% increase in the 10 year average.
• Males accounted for 70% of all drowning deaths in this age group.
• In 2015-2016, 47% or 27 people aged 65+ drowned in beaches, rivers, creeks or streams, 19% drowned following a fall into water. This is of particular relevance to the City of Yarra with just under 20% of the City's population 55+ years and another 13.3% approaching 55 years.
• LSV have targeted the City of Yarra to implement drowning prevention strategies. Adults aged 65+ represent 18.75% of drowning deaths in metropolitan Melbourne.

So if you want to find a new active hobby, plan on taking your grandchildren to the pool, going on holiday somewhere tropical or just want to learn something new, then this is the course for you.

What's included?

Participants will get eight 2 hour sessions run weekly, a participant workbook and pack, and the company of many likeminded community members. The program will cover:

• Emergency care: 1 hour face to face learning of water safety, resuscitation and emergency care, aquatic exercise, health and wellbeing, personal survival and lifesaving skills
• Aquatic skills: 1 hour of in water coaching on survival skills, swimming and stroke improvement and aquatic exercise
• CPR training for all participants
• Free entry for a swim, spa and sauna during your visit
• 25% off our Stroke Improvement Courses
• Snacks: light refreshments provided for all participants.

Date and time

The 8-week course will run every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm from 7 June to 26 July.

How much does it cost?

Thanks to our partnership with Lifesaving Victoria, we're able to offer you a heavily subsidised rate of $90 (normally $130).

How do I book?

Call 9205 5522 or 9205 5032 or pop into reception and fill out an enrolment form, make the payment and you’re ready to go!

Further information

For further information please chat to our friendly customer service staff or send us an email at yarraleisure@yarracity.vic.gov.au.